Leanne Barker, Regional Director at The FirstPort Group
I have spent a significant amount of time during my 20-year career in property management working with impressive period buildings, primarily Edwardian and Victorian properties in London. Many of these buildings, including mansion blocks and converted houses, remain largely unchanged in their external appearance but the interior has often undergone significant transformations. We know there is a desire among homeowners to restore period features and bring these buildings back to their former glory.
As property managers, our work on period properties differs to that of modern building management. We are required to implement stringent maintenance plans whilst working in partnership with residents to protect character features so they can be enjoyed by future generations.
Restoring period features
The charm of period buildings lies in their unique architectural details such as ornate cornices, wooden sash windows, and grand entrance steps. These features, however, require careful upkeep to ensure they stand the test of time.
Unfortunately, in the past we’ve seen buildings hastily converted into flats with little regard for historical preservation. Features such as black-and-white mosaic entrance steps were often covered with asphalt, while wooden windows were replaced with modern alternatives. Today, there is a greater appreciation for restoring these details, not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for the value they add to a property. Over the years, I have worked with residents to uncover and restore many of these original elements, from Victorian floor tiles hidden beneath carpets in Notting Hill to beautifully intricate terrazzo flooring in Bayswater.
As property managers, we are keen make sure these character features are appropriately restored and maintained. And seeing a project through from discovery to completion – whether it’s restoring an original staircase or bringing a neglected entrance back to life – is one of the most rewarding aspects of managing a period property.
Challenges of maintaining period buildings
While restoration is rewarding, maintaining historic buildings come with their own challenges and there are areas that must be modernised. For example, many of these buildings were not designed for today’s environmental conditions and the original gutters and drainage systems often struggle to cope with modern levels of rainfall. Similarly, flat roofs may not always be suited to rising temperatures.
A thorough and proactive maintenance plan is crucial when managing historic properties. Often, in accordance with lease agreements, landlords must ensure that buildings are redecorated on a cyclical basis. However, with rising costs, projects are sometimes delayed, which can lead to a backlog of repair work. Striking a balance between managing budgets and maintaining the integrity of these buildings is key for property managers. Engaging leaseholders throughout the process through resident meetings, visual updates, and consultations helps to ensure they understand the value of these restorations.
Historic vs modern buildings
While historic buildings require extensive and ongoing maintenance, modern developments are designed to require less maintenance. New-builds often use materials that do not require frequent repainting or repairs, and their common areas are typically designed primarily for durability rather than ornate beauty.
Additionally, modern developments tend to have more amenities such as gyms, concierge services, and multiple lifts, which introduces different types of management challenges and costs. However, they rarely require the same level of structural upkeep as period properties.
Another key difference is ownership. Many period buildings are owned by Residents’ Management Companies (RMCs), meaning that the people managing the building also live there. This creates a deeper sense of responsibility and engagement. But it also means that differing opinions and financial capabilities must be balanced when making decisions about maintenance and restoration.
Whilst modern and historic buildings require different types of maintenance, the key to success when managing both is always going to be the same – effective maintenance strategies and proactive engagement with residents. This way we can ensure that all types of residential properties remain desirable, functional and well maintained for the future.
